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VFC Parents Brief Answers to Common Questions

This page is a replica of the printable flyer which provides quick, brief answers to frequently asked questions about VFC. For additional details on these questions and more, consult the Detailed Questions and Answers page.

Q: What do you mean by “underinsured?”

It covers vaccines, but it has a fixed dollar limit or cap for vaccines. Once that fixed dollar amount has been reached, your child is eligible.

Q: Where can I go to get my child vaccinated?

A: Ask your doctor if he or she is a VFC Program provider. There are over 40,000 doctors enrolled in the VFC Program nationwide.

Q: How much will I have to pay?

A: All vaccines are free through the VFC Program, saving you $100 or more on some vaccines. Even though you’re saving a great deal of money by getting free vaccines, there can be other costs to the VFC visit:

Doctors can charge a fee to give each shot. However, VFC vaccines cannot be denied to an eligible child if the family cannot afford the fee.

There can be a fee for the office visit.

There can be fees for non-vaccines services, like an eye exam or a blood test.

Q: My child’s doctor isn’t a VFC provider. Where can I take my child for vaccines?

A: If your child’s doctor isn’t a VFC provider, you can take your child to one of the following places to get VFC vaccines:

Public Health Clinic

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

Rural Health Clinic (RHC)

The best place to take your child depends on where you live and how your child is eligible for the VFC Program. Before you go, contact your state’s VFC coordinator and ask where you should take your child for vaccines. You can find your state’s VFC coordinator on this website. Or call 1-800-CDC-info (232-4636). Ask for the phone number for your state’s VFC coordinator.